Mojo Yak
Kayak-specific bass and inshore rod with shortened butt grip to prevent life jacket snagging on the cast
- Models
- 7
- Length
- 7.0'–7.5'
- Price
- $175–$185
- Type
- Casting / Spinning
The St. Croix Mojo Yak is a kayak-specific rod series designed to address the distinct ergonomic constraints of fishing from a sit-inside or sit-on-top kayak. The core design change is a shortened butt section, eliminating the common problem of the rod butt snagging on a life jacket or seat back during casting. It is suited to inshore saltwater, estuaries, and freshwater bass from a kayak platform. Blanks are SCIII premium high-modulus graphite with an IPC (Integrated Poly Curve) mandrel, St. Croix's process for consistent taper and action.
Winn polymer grip replaces traditional cork or EVA, providing shock absorption, wet-hand grip, and no-slip performance in cold or wet conditions. Components are mid-tier St. Croix quality: solid guides and reel seats appropriate for the price point. The rod won Best in Showcase at ICAST 2018. The shorter butt design does reduce casting leverage, which reviewers note limits performance on long casts or big fish fights. Seven models: two casting (MYC) and five spinning (MYS).
All 7' or 7'6", fast action. Power spans ML to MH. The 7' ML spinning (MYS70MLF, 6-10lb/1/8-1/2oz) covers finesse; the 7'6" MH casting (MYC76MHF, 12-25lb/5/8-1 1/4oz) is the heavier inshore option. No models below 7' or above 7'6", the length range is calibrated for kayak gunnel clearance and paddling ergonomics instead of casting performance optimization.
Deeper Dive
A closer look at notable models.
Lightest spinning model; suited to finesse kayak work, drop shot, ned rig, small jigs, in calm water where the kayak platform aids slow, precise presentations. The 6-10lb line range is not appropriate for structure with abrasion risk.
Heaviest and longest option in the series. At MH with 5/8-1 1/4oz range it handles swim jigs, large spinnerbaits, and inshore lures from the kayak. The 7'6" length is near the practical upper limit for most kayak cockpit geometries.
Longest spinning model. The 7'6" length adds reach for sight-fishing presentations from the kayak seat, useful for made for tailing reds or visible bass in shallow flats where extra range avoids spooking fish.